Rory McIlroy injures ankle ahead of British Open

London: Rory McIlroy could miss the defence of his British Open crown after announcing on his Twitter account yesterday that he had ruptured a ligament in his left ankle.

Rory McIlroy posted this picture of his injury on Instagram yesterday

"Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends on Saturday," the Northern Irishman said.

"Continuing to assess extent of injury and treatment plan day by day. Rehab already started. Working hard to get back as soon as I can."

He also posted a photo on Instagram showing himself on crutches and wearing a protective boot. A spokesman for McIlroy later said that, despite the injury, he has not ruled himself out of defending his Open Championship title at St Andrews from July 16.

The 26-year-old McIlroy was also due to play in the Scottish Open at Gullane starting on Thursday to prepare for St Andrews, but the injury may have ruled him out of that.

McIlroy won his first British Open crown at Hoylake last July and then went on to win the PGA Championship, taking his haul of major titles to four.

He was on target for a clean sweep of all four majors at the Masters in April but finished fourth, behind Jordan Spieth.